Can I submit two additional recommendation letters with my college apps next year? I work with a reputable technology startup and as an intern in college laboratory. My boss and lab mentor are already asking me to let them know early if I want a recommendation letter from them. Is two addional recs too many? Anybody have any recommendations for me?
Depends of which college/university you are applying to. Most do not want additional recommendations (or anything else additional) beyond what they require/recommend. Some, however, will look at extra material. You need to research for each individual college.
Few Ivies ask for two teacher recommendations ONLY. Many ask for two teacher and and optional recommender. Too many is when you go beyond the institution specific guidelines.
You do need to check for each school (or on CommonApp). Many schools do allow one or two additional LORs in addition to those from teachers and GC. While some schools do not want LORs at all.
beyond teachers & counselor, stick to 1-2 MAX if at all. They will have enough to go through for your application and the last thing they want to read is a generic rec so make sure the extra is outstanding. If you think you could get good recs from them, you could ask them to write something up so they have it and let them know when it comes time where to send it.
Usually one extra is enough. If you go past that I’d recommend that you be absolutely certain that each of the extra recommendation will add something different that is not covered in your other LORs. Admission officers don’t want a stack of letters all saying the same thing.
You could also hold one in reserve in case you are wait listed. However I think the important thing is letters need to be personal and really talk about YOU. This is also something you could send in late January to your portal
I think two additional is too many. Pick one. I’m not sure if you can have them sent to Common App and then just select one to add (its been too long.) There is an old saying ‘the thicker the file, the thicker the student.’ So be judicious with extra material. Also, read the website of the college for what they ask for. Do not send extras to ones who don’t want any. If I recall, the common app may have many extra spaces for rec letters but that does not mean you should use them. This is no special circumstance. Pick the one that knows you the best or of the activity that you would like highlighted more.
Perhaps you could ask them to write or call your guidance/college counselor. He or she could then include some of their insights in your general letter of recommendation.
Have them co–author one letter for you.